Klay Thompson, Zach LaVine's Top Trade Landing Spots After 2026 NBA Draft
The NBA draft is in the books, but teams are still eyeing roster upgrades before the start of the 2026-27 campaign.
With the offseason ahead, a number of players could be on the move, including a pair of valuable veterans. Here's a look at some potential landing spots for Klay Thompson and Zach LaVine.
Klay Thompson's Top Landing Spots
1 of 2
The 36-year-old Thompson may have had the worst statistical year of his career last season, but he still shot an efficient 38.3 percent from deep.
One of the best sharpshooters in NBA history, Thompson is still capable of coming off the bench to provide some shooting. His contract is a little pricey for what he provides now, but Dallas may be willing to eat some of his salary to increase his trade value.
Los Angeles Lakers
If the Mavs can take some of the financial burden off of Thompson's contract, he could be a fit for the Lakers as they look to make a title run.
Los Angeles pursued Thompson two offseasons ago, though he ultimately went with the Mavs. Perhaps now could be the time to give Luka Doncic and (potentially) LeBron James another sharpshooter to work with.
Houston Rockets
The Rockets had the defensive makeup of a championship team last season, but their offensive shortcomings were noticeable, especially in the playoffs. Houston ranked last in three-point percentage in the postseason, a stat Thompson could improve.
What the Rockets would get in Thompson on offense, they'd likely lose on defense, but it might be worth the sacrifice, especially if he's just coming off the bench.
Detroit Pistons
Much like the Rockets, the Pistons were one of the league's best defensive teams but had a disappointing offense.
Cade Cunningham was an MVP candidate and the true definition of a floor general, but there was only so much he could with the talent around him. Add a sharpshooter like Thompson to the mix, and the Pistons could be in championship form in 2026-27.
Zach LaVine's Top Landing Spots
2 of 2
Age and injuries have taken a toll on LaVine, and it led to his worst season in nearly a decade last year as he played just 39 games.
But when healthy, LaVine could upgrade most offenses in the NBA, and he should have plenty of suitors if the Kings are looking to trade him.
Orlando Magic
While the Magic have a solid group in the front court, they're in need of some depth in the backcourt as they try to bridge the gap to become a contender.
Desmond Bane was solid in his first year with the Magic, posting a career high in points, but Orlando is severely limited at shooting guard when Bane has to check out.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are in a tough spot heading into the 2026-27 campaign because they're likely a move or two away from competing for a championship, but playing for the lottery would be a waste of one of Kawhi Leonard's final seasons.
Los Angeles got MVP-caliber play from Leonard for much of the season last year. Pair a strong offensive talent alongside him and Darius Garland, and the Clippers could be a surprisingly strong team.
Sacramento Kings
Perhaps the best trade for LaVine is no trade at all.
In the past, it would have made sense for the Kings to trade their stars and play for a prime lottery position, but with the league's new anti-tanking rules, that might not be the best approach.
Those rules punish the bottom three teams in the league by giving them worse odds for the No. 1 overall pick. The Kings were already close to being a bottom-three team in 2025-26, and losing a player like LaVine would only make them worse.
LaVine would likely prefer to play for a contender, but it could be in the Kings' best interest to keep him around.
